There is no change to the UK terrorist threat level, which remains at SEVERE; meaning an attack is highly likely.

It’s Probably Nothing… But…

All Educational Establishments

...must review protective security

Following a series of malicious hoax communications to schools across the UK it is important that we are alert, but not alarmed. This is a key opportunity for us to review our security plans and to confirm that the arrangements that we already have in place are current and have been tested to ensure staff and students are prepared, without fear and confident.

Bomb threats:Procedures for handling bomb threats. Most bomb threats are made over the phone and the overwhelming majority are hoaxes, made with the intent of causing alarm and disruption. Any hoax is a crime and, no matter how ridiculous or unconvincing, must be reported to the police.

Dial 999 and police will respond. You should always consider their advice before a decision is taken to close or evacuate.

The following documents provided by NaCTSO have been reviewed and adopted by the school:

Guidance on receipt of a bomb threat

Bomb threat checklist

Search Planning: Do you have plans to search your site to deal effectively with either bomb threats or for secreted threat items; are your staff and students familiar with those plans and what to do if they find a suspicious item?

Good housekeeping reduces the opportunity for suspicious items to be placed and assists effective search.

The following document provided by NaCTSO has been reviewed and adopted by the school:

Search planning guidance

Evacuation/Invacuation planning: It is vital that you are able to move your staff and students away from danger in a controlled way. Ensure you have a number of options available, well sign-posted and notified to people on your site. Keep routes clear.

Sometimes it may be safer to remain inside a building; identify the most suitable internal spaces that staff and students can move to.

The following documents provided by NaCTSO have been reviewed and adopted by the school: